N.M. Admin. Code § 17.5.410.29

Current through Register Vol. 36, No. 1, January 14, 2025

Section 17.5.410.29 - NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND WINTER MORATORIUM PROTECTION

Utilities shall make available to the public information regarding:

A. LIHEAP application forms, qualification requirements, application procedures, and locations at which residential customers may submit LIHEAP applications; and

B. winter moratorium protection against discontinued and disconnected service for residential customers who meet the qualifications of LIHEAP, including an explanation of payment options and circumstances under which services may be disconnected or discontinued.

C. Required notice.

(1) Required notice prior to heating season. Beginning with the August billing cycle and prior to the next heating season, all public natural gas and electric utilities subject to the terms of the winter heating season disconnection moratorium law shall communicate in writing to all residential customers at least two times the following statement on either a bill, in a bill insert or through a direct mailing:

(a) "Protection from winter shut-off begins November 15, (year). To avoid potential disconnection of services please contact the human services department at 800-283-4465, or the appropriate tribal or pueblo entity for eligibility information for low income heating energy assistance program (LIHEAP). Your service will not be disconnected from November 15, (year), through March 15, (year), if you meet the qualifications of LIHEAP and have no past due amounts or you remain current on any settlement or installment agreement for amounts due as of November 15, (year). Members of New Mexico tribes or pueblos who need help with translation or with other matters may contact the commission's consumer relations division at (888) 427-5772, who will contact the appropriate tribal or pueblo official for assistance."

(b) Where it is technically feasible, the foregoing notice language shall be written in both English and Spanish. If not feasible the following statement shall be included "Para informacion en espanol llame (phone no.)."

(2) Required notice of end of moratorium protection. Beginning with the February billing cycle all public natural gas and electric utilities subject to the terms of the winter heating season disconnection moratorium law shall communicate in writing to all residential customers at least one time the following statement on either a bill, in a bill insert or through a direct mailing:

(a) "Protection from winter shut-off ends March 15, (year). To avoid potential disconnection of services please contact (utility name) (phone number) to make arrangements for payment. Members of New Mexico tribes or pueblos who need help with translation or with other matters may contact the commission's consumer relations division at (888) 427-5772, who will contact the appropriate tribal or pueblo official for assistance."

(3) 15-day notice of discontinuance of service. All natural gas and electric utilities subject to the terms of the winter heating season disconnection moratorium law shall include the following statements in both English and Spanish in all 15-day disconnect notices issued pursuant to this rule during the heating season:

(a) "15-day disconnect notice for services;"

(b) "Your service will not be disconnected from November 15, (year), through March 15, (year), if you meet the qualifications of the low income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) and have no past due amounts, or you remain current on any settlement or installment agreement for amounts due as of November 15, (year). For information call New Mexico human services department at 1-800-283 -4465, or the tribal or pueblo entity that administers a tribe's or pueblo's LIHEAP."

N.M. Admin. Code § 17.5.410.29

17.5.410.29 NMAC - N, 7-1-11